We use cookies on whatcar.com to improve your browsing experience and to provide you with relevant content and advertising, by continuing to use our site you agree to this. Please see our privacy policy for more details. Continue

Porsche 911 Coupe full 9 point review

Performance

5 out of 5 stars

Performance in the 394bhp S and 4S models is stunning, though for the price, the 424bhp GTS is more recommendable, while the Turbo and Turbo S are ballistic, but even the 345bhp Carrera and Carrera 4 cars will hit 62mph in less than five seconds. The seven-speed manual gearbox is surprisingly easy to get to grips with, while the optional seven-speed PDK automatic flatters the driver and is a natural choice for city-dwelling supercar owners.

Ride & Handling

5 out of 5 stars

The 911 has an accomplished ride, even at low speeds on poor surfaces, and there’s an amazing amount of grip; you’d need explosives to shake the thing off line. The steering could offer more feedback, but it’s sharp and precise, so is still a joy to use. The Carrera 4, 4S, 4 GTS and Turbo models have four-wheel drive, and Turbo versions also have four-wheel steering for better handling and stability. GTS models have slightly firmer suspension, but are still easy to live with.

Refinement

3 out of 5 stars

The tyres generate quite a lot of road noise over coarse surfaces, but on smoother roads there’s little to disturb the peace. That means the 911 can play the long distance GT as well as the supercar. Don’t worry, though - the exhaust note still thrills at higher revs.

Buying & Owning

4 out of 5 stars

Porsche controls its supply of cars better than most so there’s little chance of a discount when you’re buying. On the positive side, this keeps resale values sky high. Running costs will obviously be anything but cheap, though the 911 is more frugal than most rivals. If you want to avoid a six-figure bill, the base Carrera is a total joy and the best value 911. If you want more thrills, the Carrera GTS is the best compromise between performance and value.

Quality & Reliability

4 out of 5 stars

The 911 is built from high-quality materials and to exacting standards; it looks and feels absolutely stunning. This latest version was too new to appear the most recent Reliability Survey, but Porsche as a brand finished a disappointing 20th out of 27 manufacturers.

Safety & Security

4 out of 5 stars

Driver and passenger airbags come as standard, as does Porsche Side Impact Protection System, which includes thorax airbags in the side of each seat, and a head airbag in the door panels. As you’d expect, an immobiliser is standard fit too - but if you want more protection there’s Porsche’s vehicle tracking system, which makes it possible to trace stolen vehicles across most of Europe.

Space & Practicality

4 out of 5 stars

The 911 has four seats, although the rear two are so tight that they’re really only for emergencies, or as extra storage space. There’s a surprising amount of practicality, with a deep front boot offering 135 litres of space. Fold the rear seats down and there’s a further 205 litres on offer there.

Equipment

3 out of 5 stars

As usual with the 911, there’s a host of options that you can add to the car that crank the purchase price up to scary levels. The car comes reasonably well equipped as standard, but it’s disappointing that Porsche charges extra for Bluetooth on all versions. You’ll also have to stump up for heated seats, metallic paint and a multi-function steering wheel.

Behind The Wheel

4 out of 5 stars

There’s a good range of seat and steering wheel adjustment, while the seats are comfortable and supportive. The dashboard layout is good, too, although the central touch-screen can be a bit fiddly to use on the move. All-round visibility is better than it is in most family hatchbacks, let alone other supercars.